From Basic and Bulky to High-Performance: The Ever-Evolving Work Glove

Our hands are essential to our lives and in shaping civilization. The desire to safeguard our hands and fingers at work has driven us to innovate and adapt, leading to the ongoing evolution of hand protection. And one thing is certain:  gloves have evolved from basic and bulky designs into specialized, high-performance gloves that meet the diverse needs of various industries and job site applications. 

In the Beginning

The evolution and performance of work gloves have made significant progress since the industrial revolution in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. Early glove designs were cumbersome and crudely made and were frequently viewed as obstacles to productivity rather than helpful tools. Thus, workers frequently resisted wearing gloves, unless enforced through disciplinary measures. Workers gave several reasons for not wearing gloves, including discomfort due to sweating or an improper fit or the perception that the gloves interfered with their job performance.

Enter the Performance Glove

Improvements in glove design initially revolved around eliminating the drawbacks of traditional designs. The mid-20^th century brought advancements in synthetic materials, such as latex and nitrile, which improved gloves’ protective capabilities and made them more suitable for specialized applications.

As gloves reached new levels of performance and comfort, demand grew, leading to the evolution and expansion of the hand protection sector. According to Allied Market Research, the global industrial hand protection market was valued at “$8.7 billion in 2022” and is projected to reach “$20.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032.” 

Material and technological advancements have influenced the growth and demand for gloves. Today, work gloves are made from a wide range of materials, including synthetic fibers, rubber, neoprene, Kevlar®, and Dyneema™ fibers. These materials offer specialized protection against various hazards, including cuts, punctures, abrasions, impact injuries, chemicals, extreme temperatures, electrical shocks, and vibrations.

Modern seamless gloves often use high-gauge materials for shells to create improved dexterity, tactile sensitivity, and comfort. High-gauge gloves require a higher number of stitches per inch to achieve their thin and lightweight nature, creating a tighter and finer knit. The comfortable fit of high-gauge gloves promotes prolonged wear, increasing compliance. Common high-gauge yarn materials include nylon, polyester, spandex, or a combination of these fibers.

In addition to high-gauge gloves, advancements in technology have also led to the development of new glove coatings, each offering specific features and benefits to provide safety and comfort in different work environments. Commonly found glove coatings in the marketplace include latex, nitrile, polyurethane, PVC, Neoprene, and double-dipped coatings that have a second layer of coating applied over the first one to provide extra protection and durability.

Dealing with the abundance of glove choices and materials now available in the modern-day marketplace can be overwhelming, but guidance and samples from trusted suppliers and manufacturers are just a “click” away. If you want to learn more about gauges, knit shells, dipped coatings, and hand protection risks and standards, just click this link to the Radians Knowledge Base Page about Hand Protection. You’ll find a wealth of hand protection solutions at your fingertips, giving you more tools to improve your safety program and jumpstart workforce compliance.